Everyone always gushes about Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty—and we don’t disagree, they have a reason to gush! There’s a very noticeable lack of neon signs, billboards, and really anything that’s designed to stick out, for that matter. Throughout your day, you’ll only see greenery, beautiful beaches, and architectural styles that blend in with the landscape on purpose.
But at night, that’s when the feeling-like-you’re-in-the-middle-of-nowhere bliss sets in. Maybe it’s the main reason the trip was booked!
It takes a while to get used to driving at night, as there are very few street lamps to guide your way and it’s just plain dark. Along the beach during turtle nesting season, locals and visitors join forces to stop light pollution from deterring any sea turtle from laying her eggs, or confusing hatchlings on their journey to the water’s edge. As far as the rest of the island is concerned, there aren’t that many spots where it gets any lighter.
This summer’s night sky is going to be full of amazing stargazing, meteor showers, and more!
Here is a list of what to look out for:
Strawberry Moon
June 10th
This year’s Strawberry Moon is extremely rare, so you won’t want to miss it! June’s full moon is going to be the largest and lowest in the sky until 2043. The reason? This year’s lunar standstill within the moon’s 18.6 year cycle, or “lunistice”. So keep your eye out for the largest Strawberry Moon you’ll see in years!
June Solstice
July 21st
While some people celebrate the beginning of summer during Memorial Day weekend, the official start to the astronomical season is during the Summer Solstice. The Earth’s axis tilts in such a way during this event, allowing for the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Happy Summer, y’all!
Buck Moon
July 10th-11th
Known as the “Buck Moon,” July’s Full Moon’s nickname stems from the Native American Algonquin people who connected the Moon’s monthly phase to the period of time when male deer begin to grow their antlers. While the name, “Buck Moon” was the one that caught on the most, other native groups named this specific Full Moon after thunder, berries, salmon, and more.
Southern Delta Aquariids
Peak: July 29th & 30th (Period: July 12th – August 23rd)
While Fourth of July fireworks light up the night sky at the beginning of the month, the Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower will serve as the finale. This meteor showers occurs annually, with its peak time lasting from July 29th through the 30th. If you’ve never seen a shooting star before, this will be your next opportunity. Get your wishes ready!
Sturgeon Moon
August 9th
Last year, we saw the Blue Sturgeon Moon–a seasonal Blue Moon and Supermoon combined. We won’t see another blue moon until 2027! According to the Farmer’s Almanac, sturgeon are caught in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during this time of year. The Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, and Mountain Shadows Moon are just some other names for this moon.
Perseid Meteor Shower
Peak: August 12th (Period: July 17-August 24)
Originating from the constellation, Perseus, this meteor shower is expected to increase in its number of meteors, or “shooting stars,” every night until peaking on August 12th. It’s expected to produce dozens of meteors per hour. As long as it’s a clear night, these days will be a great time for viewing, however the moon’s phase might reduce visibility.
We found a really neat and useful tool for those wishing they could easily point out constellations. Visit Stelvision’s Sky Map and find a free customized map for your location, date, and time!
